A ROSYTH resident has called for "meaningful action" to stop "feral youths" running riot around the town.

The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous because of fear of reprisals, said gangs gathered near her home regularly, causing a disturbance for those living nearby.

The area has been plagued with bad behaviour from teenagers in recent months and last week the Press reported a Twitter post from South West Fife Police highlighting the latest incidents.

They said youths had removed a garden fence and set it on fire while they also had to deal with a child under 16 too drunk to walk.

The householder said she and other residents were having to tolerate bad behaviour constantly.

"The kids come and make a noise, swearing, drinking and they lose their inhibitions completely. It has gone beyond a joke," she said.

"I cannot understand how the kids can turn up home and they have obviously been drinking and their parents don't notice. They have a fire frequently, why don't they question that as they must come home smelling of smoke?

"We had an incident recently when the kids were running riot. The daughter of one elderly resident was dropping them off and said to get in the house and make sure your doors are locked. Why should people have to live like that?"

The resident said she had now become worried about calling police because of possible reprisals.

"I am not saying they are all bad and they are all wicked or that they would do something that would endanger life but you cannot be certain," she said.

Stressing it was not a new problem, the householder said the number of incidents had certainly increased.

"This has been going on for years," she said. "I can remember way back in the early 2000s attending one of the local community council meetings where there had been issues of youths highlighted.

"The solution at that time was a police patrol car would come down for a few weeks but the problem has never been properly addressed.

"We recognise and value the help and support the police have given over the years in dealing with the ever-increasing problem of feral youths. We know they have a difficult job and are hampered at every turn.

"It must be as frustrating for them as it is for the blighted communities of Rosyth that we appear to be no closer to a solution.

"Hopefully, by highlighting the problem of these feral youths, perhaps our local councillors will be spurred on to actually finally take some meaningful action."

Inspector Tony Rogers, of South West Fife Community Policing, said they were aware of concerns.

"Tackling this type of behaviour has been a particular focus of local officers in recent months, and we continue to work with partner agencies to take appropriate action," he said.

“It is worth stressing that the vast majority of young people do not come to the attention of police. A small minority do sometimes become involved in anti-social behaviour and police will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.

"I would also urge parents and guardians to make sure that they know where their children are, who they are associating with and what they are doing."

Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact police on 101. Local community officers can also be contacted by email at RosythCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk.